Fiction
James sees things that you, as an author, won’t
“I've had a good many editors over the years. Few were as considerate of the author, as well as having a sharp eye for how to make a manuscript appeal more to its target readership. James sees things that you, as an author, won't. An utterly pleasant experience working with him.”
Alan Milson, AuthorInto the Deep Unknown Hueber Verlag, Germany, 2021
A true collaboration … my novel is structurally and stylistically stronger
“A thorough, careful, sympathetic editor, not afraid to suggest changes but respectful of my choices. I felt we were in a true collaboration, and my novel is structurally and stylistically stronger as a result.”
Natalie ConyerShadow City Echo Publishing, 2024
Good value for such a high-quality service
“James took time to properly understand the story and characters I was creating, then worked to ensure consistency and quality of voice and narrative. The style sheet he created for my manuscript is a great tool. His pricing offers good value for such a high-quality service.”
Michael NestTake Out the Jocks Independently published, 2023
Every writer’s dream editor
“James Bean is every writer’s dream editor. With grace and good humour, he offers insightful structural editing and meticulous copyediting. It’s a collegial, creative process. My work has garnered international awards and, equally importantly, praise from readers worldwide. I’m grateful to have an editor whose skills refine my writing so that I shine!”
Sue MurrayThe Fishing Trip Hueber Verlag, Germany, 2021
Crucial in helping bring my manuscript to its final polish
“James’s patience, attention to detail and guidance were crucial in helping bring my manuscript to its final polish. He respected my voice and vision, and fostered it with insightful suggestions.”
Alex DookGunpowder Creek Echo Publishing, 2025 (forthcoming)
Remarkable attention to detail, thoughtful suggestions
“As an inexperienced writer, I needed someone who’d provide constructive feedback and catch my dumb mistakes. James’s remarkable attention to detail, thoughtful suggestions and encouragement allowed me to get my manuscript ready for an audience. Having James edit your manuscript is one of the best investments you can make.”
Scott BeynonDumb Martians Independently published, 2023
A sympathetic clarity of vision
“James’s expert editing skills have helped take several of my stories to award-winning standard. Besides careful attention to the mechanics of writing, he has always provided a sympathetic clarity of vision. When structural or plot challenges threatened to defeat me, James guided me calmly and professionally.”
Denise KirbyFinding the Cache Hueber Verlag, Germany, 2021
The final product is much better for it
“Engaging James for a manuscript assessment proved pivotal in securing a publishing contract. The publisher was also impressed with James’s assessment and hired him to copyedit my novel. Working with him was a fantastic and rewarding experience, and the final product is much better for it.”
Daniel TamoneThe Fists of the Father Echo Publishing, 2024
Like doing a tailor-made professional writing course
“Working with James was like doing a tailor-made professional writing course. Through in-document comments, detailed reports and email messaging, he clearly showed me ways to enhance my work. James excels in communication, keeping me in the loop at all stages. The professional way he dealt with me helped me develop a higher regard for my role as an author.”
Jay BirdEgg in Your Pants Playtime Books 2023
Essential expertise regarding structure and content
“As a complete novice, I needed a patient, conscientious editor to help me. James provided essential help with structure and content, and encouraged me to tell my story, offering thoughtful feedback. He’s the ultimate professional, and his ability to inspire and dampen doubt enabled me to fulfil my dream of writing a novel.”
Leanne JumabhoyThe Last Battle Independently published, 2022
Nonfiction and academic
Exacting eye for detail and phrasing
“James elevated my book, sentence by sentence. He is careful and thorough, suggesting what’s needed to strengthen meaning and gain clarity. And he is incredibly professional and supportive. Writing is a solitary practice, and working with James was a reward in itself; my first real reader, he engaged deeply in my research and writing. His exacting eye for detail and phrasing helped me achieve the result I was aiming for.”
Justine HumphryHomelessness and Mobile Communication: Precariously Connected Palgrave Macmillan, 2022
Critical attention to content and argumentation
“James brought not only a keen eye for grammar, punctuation and expression, but also critical attention to content and argumentation. Getting the manuscript back from him gave me a sense of confidence to submit it to my publisher.”
Chris ChesherInvocational Media: Reconceptualizing the Computer Bloomsbury, 2023
Saved me months of precious time when I needed it most
“One of the best decisions of my PhD candidature! James’s editing skills saved me months of precious time when I needed it most. I’m so thankful for his expertise, grace and good humour at a stressful but exciting time in my life. Thank you, Mr Bean!”
Tracy KingPhD thesis, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2021
